Hi Reader,

In the last week, over 700 individuals have donated to help pay for the critical journalism coming from our newsrooms. The kind of investigative work we do is expensive and time-consuming, which is why we turn to you every so often requesting support. But I know you agree that even though it can be costly, this work is worth it, because this is exactly the kind of journalism that spurs change.

Here’s a great example: In 2021, a ProPublica investigation found that business consulting giant McKinsey & Co. was simultaneously working for the Food and Drug Administration and for opioid makers such as Purdue Pharma and Johnson & Johnson. In its work for the FDA, McKinsey advised on revamping drug-approval processes and implementing new tools for monitoring the pharmaceutical industry. In its work for pharmaceutical clients, McKinsey helped fend off costly FDA oversight. The company also helped Purdue Pharma shape its OxyContin sales message to overcome concerns about addiction and overdoses. It has since come out that almost two dozen McKinsey employees worked for both the FDA and opioid makers on overlapping topics. McKinsey never disclosed this conflict of interest to the government and has insisted that it was under no obligation to do so.

After our investigation was published, Congress introduced a bill that takes aim at the risk of improper influence when government contractors work for both federal agencies and private-sector clients. It makes several changes to federal contracting rules, including provisions requiring contractors to disclose information about potential conflicts of interest. Just a few months ago, that bill finally passed, and President Joe Biden signed it into law.

We’ll never stop shining a light on abuses of power and breaches of public trust in an effort to hold people in power accountable. Thanks to donations from folks like you, we’re growing larger, getting stronger and having more impact than ever before.

Our member drive ends on Friday. Join us now with your gift and help ProPublica ensure that we continue to have the resources to follow the most important stories wherever they lead and for however long it takes.

Thanks so much,
Jill Shepherd
Fellow ProPublican